What Is 1986 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1986 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a professional cycling stage race held from May 26 to June 4, 1986, consisting of 8 stages covering approximately 1,300 kilometers. Greg LeMond of the La Vie Claire team won the general classification, finishing ahead of Bernard Hinault and Charly Mottet.

Key Facts

The 1986 race ran from May 26 to June 4, spanning 8 stages
Total distance was approximately 1,300 kilometers
Greg LeMond (USA) won the general classification for La Vie Claire
Bernard Hinault (FRA) finished second, 1 minute 12 seconds behind LeMond
The race included two individual time trials and mountain stages in the Alps

Overview

The 1986 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré was a prestigious stage race in the lead-up to the Tour de France, serving as a key preparatory event for top professionals. Held annually in the French region of Dauphiné, the race traditionally features a mix of flat, mountainous, and time trial stages.

That year, the race attracted a strong field, including Tour de France contenders like Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault. The event was instrumental in testing form and tactics ahead of the summer Grand Tour season.

Start date: The race began on May 26, 1986, in the town of Grenoble, marking the traditional kickoff in the Rhône-Alpes region.
Final stage: The race concluded on June 4, 1986, with a flat time trial into Lyon, a common finish location for the event.
Stage count: The 1986 edition featured 8 competitive stages, including time trials and high-mountain routes in the French Alps.
Distance: Riders covered approximately 1,300 kilometers over the course of the week and a half of racing.
Winner:Greg LeMond claimed victory, marking a major milestone in his career and signaling his readiness for the Tour de France.

How It Works

The Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré follows the general format of a multi-stage road cycling race, with cumulative time determining the overall winner. Each stage contributes to the general classification, while intermediate sprints and climbs award points for secondary jerseys.

General Classification (GC): The lowest cumulative time across all stages determines the overall winner; LeMond won this in 1986 by 1:12 over Hinault.
Time Trials: The 1986 edition included two individual time trials, one of which was the final stage, crucial for time gaps.
Mountain Stages: Stages in the Alps tested climbers and GC contenders, with key passes like the Col du Galibier featured.
Team Strategy: Teams like La Vie Claire used the race to coordinate support for leaders such as LeMond and Hinault.
Points Classification: Sprinters competed for the green jersey; Eric Vanderaerden won this category in 1986.
King of the Mountains: The polka-dot jersey was awarded to the best climber; Robert Millar claimed this title in the 1986 race.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1986 Dauphiné with other editions and similar races:

Race	Year	Winner	Distance	Key Feature
Critérium du Dauphiné	1986	Greg LeMond	~1,300 km	Two time trials, Alpine stages
Critérium du Dauphiné	1985	Thierry Marie	~1,400 km	Time trial specialist win
Critérium du Dauphiné	1987	Charly Mottet	~1,350 km	First of Mottet's two wins
Tour de Suisse	1986	Urs Zimmermann	~1,250 km	Close rival to Dauphiné in prestige
Paris-Nice	1986	Sean Kelly	~1,200 km	Early-season stage race

The 1986 Dauphiné stood out for its competitive GC battle between teammates LeMond and Hinault, unusual in team cycling where hierarchy is often clear. This internal rivalry added drama and showcased LeMond's emerging leadership. The inclusion of two time trials favored strong all-rounders, differentiating it from more climbing-focused races. Compared to contemporaries like the Tour de Suisse, the Dauphiné had greater significance as a Tour de France tune-up. Its Alpine terrain and timing in late May made it a reliable indicator of Grand Tour form.

Why It Matters

The 1986 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré had lasting significance in professional cycling, both for individual careers and team dynamics. It served as a proving ground for future Tour de France champions and highlighted evolving strategies in stage racing.

LeMond's breakthrough: Winning the 1986 Dauphiné solidified Greg LeMond as a top-tier GC contender ahead of the Tour.
Team La Vie Claire: The internal rivalry between LeMond and Bernard Hinault foreshadowed tensions at the Tour de France.
Pre-Tour indicator: The Dauphiné has long been a key form predictor for the Tour de France, especially for GC riders.
Alpine preparation: The mountainous route allowed riders to test fitness on high-altitude climbs similar to the Tour.
Media attention: As a major French race, it drew significant press coverage, boosting rider profiles internationally.
Legacy: The 1986 edition is remembered for its competitive depth and as a stepping stone to LeMond's 1989 Tour win.

Today, the Critérium du Dauphiné remains a cornerstone of the UCI World Tour, continuing to shape the narrative of the cycling season. The 1986 race exemplifies how mid-season stage races can influence Grand Tour outcomes and elevate emerging stars.